Mishima

Mishima is a small town in the southwestern part of Fukushima Prefecture in the Okuaizu region, called Minami-yama in the old days. There are no famous tourist attractions or commercial facilities, which is why the townspeople have been steadily cultivating the values that exist here. This town quietly demonstrates that the tireless accumulation of such efforts will become a major force to support the community.

We took the Joban Expressway west from Koriyama. After passing through the city center, the scenery from the car window changed with each tunnel we passed through; from the peaceful country side to the basin of Inawashiro with a view of Mount Bandai in Aizu, on to the deep mountains of Okuaizu. The first pleasure of this journey is to appreciate the diverse beauty of nature and landforms, which we would never get tired of seeing. When we arrive at Mishima Town, we would once again realize the vastness of the country and the depth of the Aizu Region.
Mishima is a town in Fukushima Prefecture but is right on the border of Niigata Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains 1000 meters high with heavy snowfall, it is a small town with a population of about 1400. It is known as one of Japan's leading producers of paulownia wood and as a mecca of the Seikatsu Kougei Undo (literally, Daily Crafts Movement) that preserves the culture of handicrafts nurtured through daily life. In terms of tourism, Tadami is a “small but beautiful town that shines brightly,” with many people from abroad flocking to the unexplored Tadami Line, a scenic route that blends beautifully with nature.
Such a situation did not come about by chance. It is the result of the tireless efforts of the townspeople, who have discovered and preserved its proud culture and customs while even learning from those around them.
The decision to join the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan was made as part of this process, according to Mayor Gensei Yazawa. As he says, “It is important for the residents themselves to know the history of the town and to recognize its charms based on that history”. In Mishima one does not hear people say things such as, “There is nothing here,” as we hear in many other regions (partly due to being shy). They love nature, appreciate culture, and respect customs. In addition, this issue will surely give our readers a glimpse of how Mishima Town has adapted to keep up with the times by actively welcoming the winds of the outside world.

Interviewed in January, 2023